ALPENA - Alpena County Treasurer Joelyn McCallum issued the 2011 year-end financial results during the board of commissioners meeting on Tuesday, and even though the county saw less revenue than it expected, it managed to add approximately $220,000 to its fund balance by trimming expenses. She warned the commissioners that the year-end surplus amount could change, because there are still expenses that need to be accrued.
McCallum said the county ended its 2011 budget at 90 percent of its projected revenues, but only spent 89 percent of what it planned for. She said there is currently $3.4 million in the fund balance, but $553,636 is reserved and can't be spent. McCallum said the loss of revenue can be accounted for from a drop in the amount of state revenue sharing, as well as a declining tax roll. The expenses that still need to be charged back include a pay period from the end of the year and some retirement costs.
Commissioner Cam Habermehl said he thinks the board did a good job following the budget and making the necessary adjustments when it became apparent revenue would fall.
"I think we came through the year good and kept the expenses down. We had no control over the revenues coming down, but overall I think it turned out good," Habermehl said. "We had a good budget. We followed the budget, kept everything in line and I don't think there is a whole lot more you can ask."
There is $2.9 million of unreserved funds in the fund balance, which McCallum said $2 million would be needed to get through June when tax revenue begins to roll in. Habermehl said there are a lot of unknowns in terms of state revenue and tax money in 2012, but anticipates the board will continue its good management of county funds.
"We hope to do as well this year as we did last, but you don't know what unexpected expenses can pop up," Habermehl said. "There are still challenges like the state paying us and the amount of taxes. It is still tough and it only takes one major breakdown somewhere and things can change in a hurry."
McCallum said the accruals will be made and then the county will be audited. She said the book on 2011 will be closed by June 30.
In other business:
- the commissioners voted to contract Alpena Grounds Service to a service contract for maintenance at the airport.
- Habermehl appointed Gerald Fournier to the land ad hoc committee and also the fairgrounds ad hoc board. Commissioners Mark Hall and Habermehl will join Fournier on the fairgrounds board.
Steve Schulwitz can be reached via e-mail at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689.